Morning museInterlude for any time of the day

Being an independent writer, or Indie Writer as the world commonly knows us, we depend on the people who read our books to help us move up in the ranks in places like, KOBO, Amazon, iBooks, and Kindle. Without the reviews, the book sits unnoticed at the bottom of the huge number of other publications in any given genre. I liken our plight to music and movie, the more reviews, the more people will notice and buy, the more it climbs the charts.

Like so many others out there, I too love to download and read free books. What better way to determine if you truly want to read more by the same author. What better way to see how others write in your chosen genre (if you are a writer). What better way to improve your vocabulary. Besides the fact that reading is just good for the mind and soul.

I diligently try to accomplish the reviews for books I have read in a timely manner; however, sometimes it takes me a little longer than even I like. Yet, the knowledge that these writers appreciate my time in doing so, gives me hope that others will do the same for me. ​

So when you read a book, any book, be it the old fashioned hold in your hand style or an E-book, please take the time to squirrel the title out on any of these prominent bookseller locations and leave your thoughts, your star rating. If you are surfing the net, this only takes but a few minutes out of your precious time and is so, so appreciated by us, the Indie Writers.

The call came out for ‘Nasty Women Project'. When I first read the post, I only read those words and thought, that’s not me, I'm not nasty. I consider myself a kind, compassionate, fun-loving person with a little bit of red neck thrown in to keep life interesting. My beliefs go back a long way, formed by my family roots and upbringing. Most of which I like to live by and have incorporated in raising my family. Old fashioned morals I do not confuse with being a strong person, but I'd have to say they walk hand in hand in my world.

For some reason, this project intrigued me, and I needed to delve further into its existence. So, what is a Nasty Woman? What I found turned out to be the preamble for an art project local artist, Veronica Funk was inspired to do because of podcast her daughter had shared with her.

My take on the open explanation of Nasty Women is that it should not be confused with the literal meaning of the words. Yet, depending on how our voice resonates with various topics, the literal sense of the words might be a persona we can all fall into at one time or another.

I have been enlightened to see Nasty Women are those who stand up for what they believe in, what they are passionate about. She is a strong person who knows what she wants. She will stumble, fall and pick herself up. She will speak her mind and she is always searching for and sharing that which she is passionate about. She is me, and I am honoured to be included in Veronica Funk’s 100 Day Project - Nasty Women. ​

Photo by Veronica Funk

Starting on Sunday, January 21, these 100 canvases that Veronica has prepared, will start to come alive with her interpretation of the women who have been chosen as part of her project.

Follow along on my Blog and other social media outlets for updates on the progress of the project.

Ann Edall-RobsonAuthor, Photographer, Lover of Life"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."

Today, the horses have nothing to say. It didn’t start that way, but as the day progressed their lack of eye contact while I leaned on the fence watching them, told me different. A blatant reminder my mind needed to settle.

I wander, drawn to a spot where the sound of a frog chorus penetrates through the trees. The sun on my face, the breeze ruffling my hair, all speaking to me in volumes.

Planting myself away from the voices, the grounding of my soul begins. Eyes closed, breathing softly, embracing the aroma of raw earth, the connection I need starts to ooze into my being.

By ignoring me, the horses suggested my direction; but, it is Mother Nature who gives me guidance. The singing of the frogs in the background while I watch my first butterfly of the season looking for sustenance from flowers yet to bloom. Tiny birds chirping their throaty sounds, flitting from branch to branch before taking wing to return to I know not where. Walking through the trees the pungent smell of rain dampened leaves meets my senses; laying lifeless to the eye, yet giving nourishment to the land.

I stroll back to the barn. The smells confined within the walls are comforting. A reminder of the journey I began decades ago when I knew someday, somehow, I would blaze my own trail.

The creativity will come, it always does. The process of late, has been mired by my mind whirling like a dust devil’s journey across the prairie.

The horses and the land have gifted me much on this day.

How do you reconnect with your creativity?

Ann Edall-RobsonAuthor, Photographer, Lover of Life"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."

A busy few weeks resulting in accomplishments, re-acquaintances, and favourite times being shelved (for a while).

Life does that to us every so often. Puts us in a state of hair straight back, get to hell out of my way, I’ve got stuff to do!

My time hasn’t been quite that radical, but it certainly has left me with a good feeling simmering deep within.

Writing the story for my novel, The Quiet Spirits, was by far the easiest part of the project. When it was done, I was sad. It was like I had to say, “See you around, old friend.” Then it struck me. This thing needs to be published. With that thought came a whole new get busy again “to do” list. Editing, beta readers, re-writes, meet with publisher, book cover, dedication, (A sequel?), and, and, and . . .

The biggest thing wasn't determining when did I want to have this book in my hot little hands, but more importantly, when would it be accessible to the public? By the looks of the progress, I can safely say, The Quiet Spirits will be available this fall; and, might I add, it will make a great Christmas gift.

So what does someone who writes do when they finish a book? I have to tell you, for me, lots!

For starters, I have been penning my next book. Yet to be named and not related to The Quiet Spirits. My thoughts on this novel, is the first draft will most likely be finished before summer ends. Maybe. When will it be published? Who knows? When it feels like the right time to do it would be a safe answer.

​Something that I do know for sure from these busy weeks, is the planning for the Let Your Senses Run Free event I am involved with at Silver Valley Ranch has reached fever pitch. Pages of thoughts, ideas, “oh yeses” and “scrap that” have been jotted down. They are now coming to life in a page after page, colour coded Critical Path. I love colour coding my work. Even when I am writing a book, there is colour coding. Really, who doesn’t like to look at their projects and know right away what each part belongs to?

Through the joy of finishing one book, writing another and feeling guilty for not writing my 99 and 52 Word assignments, I took some time to visit my sewing room. Surprise, yes I have a passion to design and sew quilts along with other DIY projects. But, since I seldom make the time to venture down the stairs to this room anymore, the intent was to see what could go and what could stay. What a mistake! Well, not really. The mistake was thinking I would pare down the material stash and hundreds of pattern books growing dust on the shelf. The reality is, within an hour, I was scribbling notes, making sketches (that only I will ever be able to understand), calculating yardage and choosing fabric. This exciting project ties in with something I already have on-the-go; AND, I will be making the trek to my bright, yellow painted room for short bursts of creativity. A welcoming comfort zone place do disconnect. Win, win, win, in my opinion.

So you see, even when the midnight oil is being burned, the candles are lit from both ends, and the hair is straight back, there is always comfort in the things we know, and especially in the things we love to do.

Where do you find your solace when your life is in hair straight back mode?

Ann Edall-RobsonAuthor, Photographer, Lover of Life"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."

The fine print

Some links on our website may be affiliate links. This means if you follow the link, and take the steps to purchase or download the product, I will receive a small referral fee or commission. ​I only recommend items I have tried &/or own. Thank you for considering your purchases and downloads through my website.